Repair Or Replace?
Take The 1-Minute Quiz
Before you spend on a new one, answer eight quick questions. We weigh the age, the repair cost, and the condition, then tell you straight whether fixing it makes sense. No pressure, no sales pitch.
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Repair Cost vs
Replacement Cost
Most repairs cost a fraction of a new unit. Here are typical national ranges for the appliances we fix, so you can see the gap before you decide. For the full walkthrough of every factor, read our appliance repair vs replace guide.
| Appliance | Typical repair | New replacement |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | $150 to $600 | $600 to $2,300 |
| Washing machine | $150 to $350 | $500 to $1,100 |
| Dryer | $100 to $450 | $450 to $1,100 |
| Dishwasher | $100 to $400 | $400 to $1,200 |
| Oven or range | $100 to $600 | $600 to $1,300 |
| Microwave | $70 to $200 | $100 to $600 |
National average ranges from 2026 industry cost guides, shown as guidance, not quotes. The real number depends on the part and the model. With us, a standard repair is a flat $225, and a $100 diagnostic tells you the exact figure before any work begins.
A repair almost always costs less than the replacement.
How We Tell
Repair From Replace
There's no single rule that fits every appliance, but three factors do most of the work: how old it is, how bad the problem is, and what the repair cost is against a new one. Here's how we weigh them.
The age test
If an appliance is less than halfway through its expected life, a repair almost always pays off. Past that point, age starts to count against it.
The 50 percent rule
When a repair would cost more than half the price of a comparable new unit, and the appliance is older, replacing is usually the better spend. Under that line, fix it.
The history check
A first-time fix on a unit that mostly works is worth it. One that's been repaired three or more times is telling you something. High-end and built-in units lean toward repair.
Age, severity, and cost settle most of it.
How Long Appliances
Usually Last
Age is one of the biggest factors in the decision. Here's roughly how long each major appliance lasts, so you can see where yours stands against the clock.
- Refrigerator: about 13 years
- Washing machine: about 10 years
- Dryer: about 13 years
- Dishwasher: about 9 years
- Oven or range: about 15 years
- Microwave: about 9 years
When in doubt, a $100 diagnostic beats a $1,500 guess.
Want a real answer instead of an average? Book a diagnostic, see our repair pricing, contact our team, or head back to the Baltimore appliance repair homepage.
Repair Or Replace,
Answered
Should I repair or replace my appliance?
Repair usually wins when the appliance is less than halfway through its expected life, the problem is small, and it hasn't broken repeatedly. Lean toward replacing when it's past its average lifespan, the repair cost would run more than half the price of a new unit, or it's already been fixed three or more times. Our quiz above weighs all of that and gives you a straight answer.
What is the 50 percent rule for appliances?
The 50 percent rule is a simple test: if a repair costs more than half the price of a comparable new appliance, and the unit is past the halfway point of its lifespan, replacing it is usually the better spend. Under that line, a repair is almost always the smarter move.
Is repairing an appliance cheaper than replacing it?
Almost always. A typical appliance repair runs $100 to $600, while a new unit runs several hundred to a few thousand dollars once you add delivery and installation. Unless the appliance is old and failing in a major way, the repair is the cheaper path.
How long do home appliances usually last?
On average, refrigerators last about 13 years, washers about 10, dryers about 13, dishwashers about 9, and ovens about 15. These are averages, so a well-kept unit can run longer. Age is one factor in the decision, not the whole answer.
Is it worth repairing a 10-year-old washer?
It depends on the problem and the condition. A 10-year-old washer with a small, first-time fix is often worth repairing, especially a high-end or built-in model. If it's been repaired several times or needs a major part, a replacement may make more sense. A $100 diagnostic gives you the real numbers before you decide.
What factors decide repair versus replace?
Four big ones: the age of the appliance against its lifespan, how serious the problem is, the repair cost compared to a new unit, and how many times it's already been fixed. Energy efficiency and whether it's still under warranty matter too. The quiz walks through each.
How much does a repair cost with Doctor Maintenance?
It starts at $100, which covers an expert visit and a full diagnosis. A quick fix on the spot is $100 total. If a part needs replacing, a standard repair is a flat $225, and anything needing a special-order part gets an exact quote from our office first. The full breakdown is on our pricing page.
Do you sell used appliances if I decide to replace?
Yes. Our appliance store line can point you toward a quality used replacement. Call (443) 577-4661 and we'll help you find a unit that fits your space and budget.
Tell Us What's Broken
Give us the details and our support team follows up to confirm your weekday appointment. A real local team, no call center, no surprise pricing.
- $100 for an expert visit and a full diagnosis
- Factory-certified techs, weekday appointments
- 60-day warranty, plus your $100 back if we find nothing wrong
- Hours
- Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm
- Service area
- Greater Baltimore and five surrounding counties, based in Dundalk
Prefer to book now? Schedule online or call (443) 678-8144.